The Brazil star has long been linked with a move to Barcelona, with speculation mounting the Spanish giants will make a massive move in the summer, after both Neymar and Luis Suarez recommended he be the club’s next galactico signing.

Yet we can reveal the Reds have received no offer from any club for the midfielder...and there has been no contact from Barca or any agent.

And the player himself went to some lengths - after guaranteeing Champions’ League qualification for his club on Sunday with a brilliant free kick - to quash the rumours, by insisting he has a contract he will honour.

(Image: REUTERS)

Speaking after the crucial 3-0 win over Boro which confirmed a top four place and a seat at Europe’s high table next season, Coutinho was asked if he will be playing in the Champions’ League for Liverpool or Barca.

His reply was emphatic. “A lot of people have been asking me this, but I don’t understand. I have a contract with Liverpool - a long contract. This speculation is for other people only.”

In fact, when Coutinho signed that five year contract less than four months ago, it came after hours of talks with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp who offered a persuasive vision of the future he envisaged at Anfield, as the manager plots a return to the great heights of their European glory years.

Speaking publicly on the matter last week, the German coach explained the discussions had centred on both how much the player and his family loved being at the club, and also the progress Liverpool will make in the coming years.

The Brazilian says transfer speculation is for other people (Image: Rex Features)

“We spoke a lot around signing the contract. We all believe in this project. How I know it in this moment – we all want to be part of it. It is a fantastic club in a good situation, not perfect, but a good situation,” he said.

“Yes, he is now a big player for his country - but he became this player at Liverpool. He knows about this. That is what is really special about him. He really likes being here, it’s not like someone has to force him. His family really likes it too.”

We understand Klopp also told Coutinho that he believes the team has made far more progress than even a top four place suggests, and the board will back him to sign the players required to close the gap on the European elite like Barcelona and Madrid.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gives Coutinho a hug (Image: REUTERS)

The German passionately believes he can repeat his deeds at Dortmund when he took them to the Champions’ League final, and made them a regular in the knock out stages of the competition.

He also told Coutinho bluntly that if he goes to the Nou Camp, he will be at best only a part of a team that serves superstars like Messi and Neymar, and perhaps even only a squad player, given the amount of talent they have in his position.